Rick Perry vs. Tony Sanchez for governorYear: 2002Perry defeated Sanchez who poured a substantial amount of money into his campaign - about $52 million. While Texas was a solidly red state at the time, the Democratic candidate's money was a major benefit. Sanchez is a multimillionaire businessman.

Rick Perry vs. Tony Sanchez for governorYear: 2002
Perry defeated Sanchez who poured a substantial amount of money into his campaign - about $52 million. While Texas was a solidly red state at the time,

Dave Wilson vs. Bruce Austin for Houston Community College trusteeYear: 2013Wilson made local headlines when he defeated incumbent Austin for the seat by a narrow 26 votes and was accused of tricking voters into thinking he is black.

Kent Hance vs. Clayton Williams for governorYear: 1990Despite support from Republican party leaders, Hance failed in the Texas primary and lost to Clayton Williams. It paved the way for Democrat Ann Richards to win the seat.

David Dewhurst vs. Ted Cruz for U.S. senatorYear: 2012Tea party-backed Cruz managed a come-from-behind victory over Dewhurst in a runoff. Dewhurst was considered an overwhelming front runner throughout the campaign. The lieutenant governor once again faces a Tea Party challenger, with a runoff likely.

David Dewhurst vs. Ted Cruz for U.S. senatorYear: 2012
Tea party-backed Cruz managed a come-from-behind victory over Dewhurst in a runoff. Dewhurst was considered an overwhelming front runner throughout the

Ray Hutchison (pictured on the right) vs. Bill Clements for governorYear: 1978Hutchison left his position as chairman of the Texas Republican Party in 1977 to run for governor. He ultimately could not get the support of his party, though, and lost in the primary to Bill Clements, who went on to win the seat.

Ray Hutchison (pictured on the right) vs. Bill Clements for governorYear: 1978
Hutchison left his position as chairman of the Texas Republican Party in 1977 to run for governor. He ultimately could not get

Ciro Rodriguez vs. Henry Bonilla for U.S. representativeYear: 2006Rodriguez ran for two congressional seats in one year. He unsuccessfully ran in the 28th District - he lost in the primary with 40 percent of votes. However, redistricting resulted in his home being drawn into the 23rd District. On Aug. 10, Rodriguez announced he would run against incumbent Bonilla. He ended up winning in the runoff election after Bonilla failed to get the majority in the primary.

Ciro Rodriguez vs. Henry Bonilla for U.S. representativeYear: 2006
Rodriguez ran for two congressional seats in one year. He unsuccessfully ran in the 28th District - he lost in the primary with 40 percent

Lyndon B. Johnson vs. Coke Stevenson for Texas senatorYear: 1948Johnson defeated former governor Stevenson in the Democratic primary runoff by 87 votes and one extra majority vote. There were allegations of fraud on both sides, and Johnson went on to be elected senator in November. He later became president.

Jimmy Carter vs. Gerald Ford for U.S. presidentYear: 1976Carter was relatively unknown and defeated incumbent Ford. It was also surprising that Carter defeated more well-known candidates in the Democratic primary.

Jimmy Carter vs. Gerald Ford for U.S. presidentYear: 1976
Carter was relatively unknown and defeated incumbent Ford. It was also surprising that Carter defeated more well-known candidates in the Democratic